New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-01-20

THE CASE OF DR. NGLYNN.
Ak AprxAL FOR MODERATION AND CHARITY

Ak APPEAL FOR MODERATION AND CHARITY,
To the Edftor NJ The Tribune.
SIR: The unfortunate controversy in which
distinguished Catholic priest Of this city has become
involved with his ecclesiastical superors has at last
reached point where it promises only harmful
results to all the interests, personal and spiritual
concerned in it. unless those to whom Is reserved
the right and duty Of its final adjustment act
with moderation, wisdom and charity. Dr. Nc
t;lvnn is man who deserves well of the public
and of his Church However disappointing 1t may
bc that one so popular and so active in benefcent
works should have made the mistake Of identify
ing himself with movement which. despite its
brilliant authors denaIs and explanations. is only
another form Of Socialism, yet it must be con-
coded that Father McGlynn has acted sincerely
and from humane and estimable motives.
His best friends, however-and who can fail to
be the friend of a pure. unselish manf-must
acknowledge that his course has really invited
ecclesiastical protest. The line where DIR. Me
Glynn's duty citizen ends and his duty as a
priest begins does not need to be drawn in this
case The Church comedies her clerical son the
right of free and unembarrassed political action,
but she requires and he consents to render Obed-
fence to the "gOdly admontions' Of his surerors
No properly deny that ii is within the
scope of bishops authority to define lines OF
conduct which are prejudical to the Church
interest. In this age Of progressive thought and
lberality he cannot be unreasonable or intoler-
ant, and in complaining OF Dr. McGlynns too
active and jealous Identification with the George
movement l cannot see that the Archbishop was
moved by an int olerant spirit. On the contrary,
he would have lacked perception had he not seen
that DIR. MoGlynns public appearances Us the
sponsor Of Henry George would be widely con
strued as an Endorsement by the Catholic Church
of the economic theory that property in land is
robbery lie would have failed in his duty had
he permitted that impression to go abroad uncor-
rected, and In enjoinng DR.. McGlynn AGAINST at
tending public meetings and making speeches l
cannot that he exceeded his authority. IL
was not an injunction which prevented the eXer
else of the priests duty as citizen. ana the
answer to the objection that 1T did interfere
with his privileges is plain. 1t was left to DR.
AGilynns conscience and pleasure TO decide upon
an alternative when he disco vcrcd that his clerical
vows were in conflict with the secular privileges
he might otherwise enjoy.
When the priest chose to disobey the bishop
nc certainly laid himself open to complaint. AMI
yet every one who SYM athizes with an earnest
candid man must regret the form In which The
ArchbishOp's dis leasure was manifested Every
one can but hope that its more serious effects
people and that the Church viii find way TO
rest him to the pastOrate he has filled 50 lon
and 50 well The policy of Leo XIII. is liberal one
Tie has endeavored TO accommodate the methods
Of church government to the political conlltlo ns
OF the countries in which it works. The Catholic
Church in America numbers 100000 commun
cants. and it is sufficiently strong and well or
ganized to warrant the concession OF greater
measure Of "home rule. DIR. McGlynns sum
mons to Rome is not agreeable to American sentl
ment lie is not accused Of hcrcsy. and the
American public does not fancy the idea OF an
American citizen being obliged to explain his
poltica sentiments TO an authority thousands
Of miles distant and necessarily uniformed OF
American conditions IL is 10 be hoped even yet
that the Roman authorities will not insist upon
this course Were the matter left TO rchbshop
Corrican. | have doubt thu, his sober Judg-
ment his sense Of justice his moderation and The
esteem in which he must hold the virtues. talents
and services OF DIR. McGlynn would suggest TO him
an honorable and wise adjustment OF the trouble
Yours, q. L. L.